On reflection, the rubble of Lord's was hardly a surprise, after the cracks in Australia's top order batting were wallpapered within a whisker of victory at Trent Bridge.

These aren't new problems, but the good news for Australia is that England's bragging rights will last only until November.

An Ashes challenger 2-0 down in a five Test series is a deflated beast, not only because of lack of performance, but because of the realisation of the long wait for another chance to win the urn.

Part two does not apply for Michael Clarke's team. But as much as the scoreboard is reset before the Australian series, momentum and confidence will remain with England.

Naturally, heads will be called for after Lord's, but it seems we will only see the maintenance of regular pruning rather than a large scale uprooting. The nursery is not producing as it used to.

So combined with personal growth and introspection from each man within the squad, it's time to see what Clarke and coach Darren Lehmann are made of.

Lehmann is newly appointed and all reports suggest the Australians are a happier group under him. He has been in the job for a month and it will take time for the full effects of his reign to be seen.

Clarke has excelled at two out of the three elements required of a captain. His batting and tactical awareness is unquestioned but he is yet to turn the individuals he leads into a combined force.

Every cricket dressing room has its factions and cliques. It is one of the great challenges and charms of the game to bring a collective effort to, what is essentially, an individual sport.

You can blame Clarke's cattle - you can blame Shane Watson if you want - but essentially the blame for this aspect of Australia's cricket must rest with the captain.

If everything is fine between Clarke and Watson as the captain suggests, then the Mickeyleaks 'cancer' claims won't gain traction, unless either speak out.

Watson is a terrific white-ball cricketer. The burly blonde is getting a game in the Tests at the moment because Australia has little batting depth to replace him and he provides a better than part-time option with the ball.

Lehmann's only clear mistake to date seems to have been returning Watson to the top of the order. The all-rounder needs coloured clothes to be the foundation of an innings. When in white he should only be asked to build on a start, or use his experience to try and save a cause, when batting in the middle order.

Forget that Watson wants to open and thinks he can only succeed as a Test batsman at the top. Give him a role, explain it, and work as a unit to make the outcome a good one for the team.

This returns us to the crux.

Australia now goes to Hove for a three-day match against Sussex before the Third Test begins in Manchester on Thursday week.

What loomed as bland fine tuning now takes on huge importance. Occupation of the crease is paramount. Build partnerships and build trust.

Allan Border is in England with a tour group. Get 'captain grumpy' to talk to the boys about playing ugly and the merits of a hard-earned draw.

There are three Tests left in the series but the road to The Gabba starts now. It is a scheduling rarity that must be used.

This Ashes cause on foreign soil is lost, but work can be done that will be relevant when the slate is wiped clean, and the urn goes on the line again.